bbeardb
off to a rocking start
Member since May 2021
Posts: 1
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Post by bbeardb on May 19, 2021 23:16:45 GMT -5
Hello! I've amassed quite a bit of equipment (at least according to my wife) quickly. It all started last Christmas when my 7 yr. old daughter gave my 9 year old son a terrible, plastic rock tumbler. While it started leaking after the first batch, we (mostly me) became hooked! They've always been interested in rocks, so it was easy to roll with it.
Right now we have:
- The leaky, crappy, now unused but I think I might fix it for fun, tumbler that started it all - HF double barrel tumbler (basic mods done) - Diamond Pacific minisonic vibrasonic or whatever it's called - boxes of rocks we've found in the landscaping rock in our yard, rock roads in Nebraska, a river at home here in CO, some stuff I bought from the rocktumbler.com dude, and waste/cut offs from San Juan Gems Rock shop in southern CO. - And most recently, a Star Diamond GSP-8 five wheel cabbing machine (I'll have to post more about this in a more appropriate forum location as I have no idea what to do with it or to even keep it)
I have no idea what's what when it comes to minerals and rocks. Learning bits here and there. But we're having fun polishing anything that looks cool!
Look forward to perusing the forums and learning from you all!
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Post by Pat on May 19, 2021 23:24:03 GMT -5
Welcome from California. You’ve come to the right place. Snoop around, ask questions, and post photos of your stuff.
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Post by Garage Rocker on May 19, 2021 23:43:41 GMT -5
I like your style, jump right in. Remind the missus that you'll still require a rock saw, trim saw, more tumblers, possibly a vibe lap and you're in a good location for a faceting machine. Welcome from KY!
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rocket
spending too much on rocks
Quality slabs for quality cabs in 2022
Member since September 2020
Posts: 292
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Post by rocket on May 20, 2021 6:47:12 GMT -5
Welcome from Maryland. I still find it amazing how that simple first tumbler starts a chain of events that is totally unexpected. Just yesterday I started to build a diy dry polishing station with a yard sale motor acquired recently. Hope to finish it today. Enjoy your new hobby...Rocket
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Post by hummingbirdstones on May 20, 2021 8:38:02 GMT -5
Welcome from Northern Arizona and to the obsession!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on May 20, 2021 9:42:04 GMT -5
Howdy from Oregon.... As for tumbling rocks, go to the tumbling forum and they will get you started..
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Post by opalpyrexia on May 20, 2021 12:25:51 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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Post by drocknut on May 20, 2021 13:09:00 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum from south central Arizona. Also welcome to the addiction er I mean hobby...lol.
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rockfrog
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2021
Posts: 114
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Post by rockfrog on May 20, 2021 16:49:19 GMT -5
Welcome from Texas! I also had a leaky plastic one a while back, the HF double barrel will serve you much better, have fun!
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Post by jasoninsd on May 20, 2021 18:14:06 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum from South Dakota! I look forward to pics of all your stuff! I'm a visual person.
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Post by manofglass on May 20, 2021 20:58:29 GMT -5
Welcome from Michigan
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Post by rmf on May 21, 2021 14:11:59 GMT -5
bbeardb You are right that is a lot of equipment:) Not sure if that is a wife thing, but I expect so, sounds familiar. Anyway compromise with her and get rid of the leaky plastic tumbler. If it is what I am thinking it holds about a quarter to a half a cup of rocks. Not worth messing with now that you have some good tumblers. You can then show your wife you aren't keeping junk only the good stuff. win-win FYI I have rocks and grinders older than my wife and we've been married 44 years today.
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Post by rockhoundingwithkids on Jun 11, 2021 14:07:37 GMT -5
Hello! I've amassed quite a bit of equipment (at least according to my wife) quickly. It all started last Christmas when my 7 yr. old daughter gave my 9 year old son a terrible, plastic rock tumbler. While it started leaking after the first batch, we (mostly me) became hooked! They've always been interested in rocks, so it was easy to roll with it. Right now we have: - The leaky, crappy, now unused but I think I might fix it for fun, tumbler that started it all - HF double barrel tumbler (basic mods done) - Diamond Pacific minisonic vibrasonic or whatever it's called - boxes of rocks we've found in the landscaping rock in our yard, rock roads in Nebraska, a river at home here in CO, some stuff I bought from the rocktumbler.com dude, and waste/cut offs from San Juan Gems Rock shop in southern CO. - And most recently, a Star Diamond GSP-8 five wheel cabbing machine (I'll have to post more about this in a more appropriate forum location as I have no idea what to do with it or to even keep it) I have no idea what's what when it comes to minerals and rocks. Learning bits here and there. But we're having fun polishing anything that looks cool! Look forward to perusing the forums and learning from you all! Something similar happened to us... it's a rabbit hole for sure. Welcome from CA. Thank god for the internet and youtube! While it's great to read loads and loads of books... if you have specific questions good ol Google to the rescue. This forum has been a huge help. Usually if I google something it takes me here anyway. I've started taking more online geology classes at my previous college and I also just found out the local college here has a lapidary lab. The local gem and mineral clubs are a great resource too. My one piece of advice is while there is a science to it is have fun, don't overthink it. If there's a particular piece that you love wait until you've got it down before you tinker with that specimen.
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Post by paulshiroma on Jun 11, 2021 14:22:52 GMT -5
What an awesome start, bbeardb! I love it! Great to meet you. I was at San Juan Gems a couple of years ago on a family vacation. Awesome shop! What did he charge for the trimmings? That material is often really great stuff to tumble.
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Post by fernwood on Jun 12, 2021 8:40:27 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH from Wisconsin. This is a great place to ask questions, purchase some great rocks and learn all about everything rocks/fossils.
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Post by greig on Jun 12, 2021 11:06:40 GMT -5
Welcome from Ontario, Canada. I have had some of those plastic tumblers in the past and they all failed. There is a good reason that good tools cost a little bit more and the name brands perform better and last longer. Good luck with your hobby. Sounds like your kids will be good company for this adventure.
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